Keith Jackson, one of the most notable voices in college football, passed away Friday night at the age of 89.
Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO for The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement released by ESPN:
“For generations of fans, Keith Jackson was college football. When you heard his voice, you knew it was a big game. Keith was a true gentleman and a memorable presence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Turi Ann, and his family.”
Jackson spent the majority of his career at ESPN announcing the greatest events in college football for 40 years at ABC Sports. His last broadcast was the 2006 Rose Bowl, the game he coined “the granddaddy of them all.”
Jackson left his position in the offseason after that 2006 Rose Bowl, finishing up a career that began calling Washington State Cougars football games in 1952. Jackson attended WSU on the G.I. Bill.
“This is the perfect time,” Jackson told The New York Times in May 2006. “I don’t want to get back into the pressure cooker of play-by-play and worry about travel. I don’t want to die in a stadium parking lot.”
Just heard the news that everyone’s favorite CFB broadcaster Keith Jackson passed away last night. Can close my eyes and think of so many of his special calls. Thank you Keith for all the memories and the grace in which you provided them. RIP Keith. #GOAT
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) January 13, 2018
News Source: CNN
Image Source: LA Times
